The Super Falcons of Nigeria are gearing up to tackle the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in an Olympic Games qualifier at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday.
The match is expected to be a highly competitive encounter, with both teams eager to get a win and take a step closer towards qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Super Falcons will be looking to build on their recent success, having recorded victory over Cameroon in their last game.
They will also be buoyed by their superior head-to-head record against South Africa, having beaten them in several important games in the past.
The Banyana Banyana, on the other hand, will be determined to build on their win after beating Tanzania in their last game.
They will be relying on their experienced players such as Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane to lead the charge.
Ahead of the game, Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has named a 22-player squad for the match.
The squad includes several key players such as Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade.
The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly-matched teams, with both sides eager to come away with a win.
The game in Abuja will be followed by a reverse fixture in Pretoria next week Tuesday.
The overall winners will seal a place at the Paris 2024 Games.
The Super Eagles are looking to make a return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence.
South Africa on the other hand have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the game.
Paris, France will host the 2024 Olympics between July 26 and August 11, 2024.
Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday, former TTC Football Academy coach, Emmanuel Brown, said he expects a closely contested encounter, with Nigeria edging South Africa.
He, however, warned Randy Waldrum’s side that the Banyana Banyana will not go down without a fight.
“I am expecting a closely contested encounter between Nigeria and South Africa,” Brown said.
“Both teams have much to gain from a victory in Abuja, as a win will take them one step closer towards qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“The two teams have been in good form recently in their last matches against Cameroon and Tanzania.
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“However, I expect the Falcons to enter this game with confidence and not to rely on their strong head-to-head record against South Africa to give them the edge.
“I also expect some key players for Nigeria such as Asisat Oshoala, Jennifer Echegini, Kanu and Rasheedat Ajibade to be instrumental in securing a win for Nigeria.
“However, I still feel the Banyana Banyana will not go down without a fight. They will be determined to make a statement in Abuja and secure a good result against Nigeria.
“It will be interesting to see how some of their experienced players such as Thembi Kgatlana can match up against the Falcons, who have been impressive lately,” he added.
When asked for his prediction, Brown added, “the Super Falcons of Nigeria will win the match, but it will be a close encounter with both teams putting up a strong fight at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.”
